Desert Wines and Spirits

Saturday, July 31, 2010
4 to 6 pm

$5.00 per person
Home of: ExecutiveGiftService.com
611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #1, Palm Springs, 92264
760-327-7701, 800-925-0030

Aside from rosés, I can think of no better category of wine that would serve the desert dweller more enjoyably. The Prosecco grape is grown primarily in the Veneto area of Italy that is northwest of Venice, near the Alps. Many good Pinot Grigios come from this area also. The wine produced from this grape is light, lightly sparkling, refreshing and versatile. It pairs well with many dishes such as seafood with light pasta sauces and is terrific by itself as an apéritif. It should be drunk quite chilled and, given the intense heat of our summers, served over ice poolside. Prosecco is made using the Charmat method rather than the Champagne method. The wine goes through secondary fermentation in pressurized tanks rather than in individual bottles. The shorter tank fermentation is preferable because it preserves the freshness and flavor of the grapes. The flavor profile is citrus, melon, lemon, honey and almonds (usually in the finish).

Zonin Prosecco

List price 10.00; our price 8.99

This is a very tasty sparkling wine, though without being overly carbonated. The fruit is soft and pear-like and there are just enough sweet elements to remove the acidic edge one gets from Champagne. Besides making an excellent Bellini cocktail, it mixes well with liqueurs such as cream de cassis to form a Kir.

Mionetto Prosecco “IL”

List price 12.99; our price 9.99

The aroma is fruity, reminiscent of pear and citrus with a slightly floral bouquet. The wine is fresh and crisp with apparent apple and peach flavors and contains an alcohol level of only 10.5 percent. This gentle-sparkling wine has garnered a “Best of Tasting” award from the Wall Street Journal and a “Best Buy” recommendation from Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

Villa Sandi Prosecco

List price 14.00; our price 10.99

Villa Sandi is an exquisite Palladian-style villa dating back to 1622, located at the foot of the Marca Trevigiana hills, in the Veneto region and represents the combination of art and agriculture which has characterized the Venetian landscape for centuries. This Prosecco is an ideal accompaniment for a variety of cuisines and courses. Whether served as an apèritif, or at the end of a meal, or any course in between, the natural acidity and fresh taste lightly compliments, but never over-powers, a meal. This elegant sparkler achieves a nice balance between sweet, fruit flavors and lively crispness. Look for peach, pear, jasmine, grapefruit and stone that characterize the fruit with a bit of almond bitterness at the finish.

Lamarca Prosecco

List price 15.00; our price 12.99

This sparkling wine is a pale, golden straw in color. Bubbles are full textured and persistent. On the nose the wine brings fresh citrus with hints of honey and white flowers. The flavor is fresh and clean, with ripe citrus, lemon, green apple, and touches of grapefruit, minerality, and some toast. The finish is light, refreshing, and crisp.

Mionetto Prosecco, Organically Grown Grapes

List price 18.00 our price 14.99

This Organic category Prosecco is made with certified organically-grown grapes. In the vineyard, the grapes are grown without synthetic chemicals and fertilizers. In the cellar, the wine is vinified separately to ensure purity. Reducing the carbon footprint of this wine even further, recycled materials were used for the bottle, label and shipping box. This delightful Prosecco is bright yellow in color. Its perfume of delicate elderflowers leads to an explosion of golden apples on the palate. It weighs in at a mere 11 % alcohol.

Mionetto Prosecco Sergio

List price 24.00; our price 17.99

The blend in this sparkling wine is 70% Prosecco di Valdobbiadene DOC and the other 30% is a blend of Verdiso, Bianchetta and Chardonnay. It honors the traditions of the Veneto winemaking region and the long history of the Mionetto family. Contemporary master vintner Sergio Mionetto produces this wine based on a formula handed down by Francesco Mionetto, who founded the winery. A touch of two old grape varieties, unique to the region, are blended with the area’s finest Prosecco grapes; along with a bit of Chardonnay to add body. The result is a superbly dry, slightly fruity wine with just a hint of acidic crispness. Wine Enthusiast gave the wine a 92 point-rating.

Saturday, July 24, 2010
4 to 6 pm

$5.00 per person
Home of: ExecutiveGiftService.com
611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #1, Palm Springs, 92264
760-327-7701, 800-925-0030

Winemaker Christian Tietje founded Four Vines in his garage-with a love of big reds and a desire to make “killer Zins” from old vine Zinfandel grapes of Napa, Sonoma, Amador and Paso Robles. Each of his wines reflects the unique flavors, structure and character imparted by terroir, a reflection of the soil, air, water and surroundings in which the grapes were grown, while also showing the bold, fruit-forward, food-friendly style that would become Christian’s trademark. He moved to Paso Robles to build a winery and planted Tempranillo, Syrah and Mourvedre, to add to his stable of varietals. His stylish reds showcase the best of terroir-based winemaking, while retaining an eclectic approach. These are giant red wines with considerable attitude, intriguing blends and unique marketing geared toward Gen X, Gen Y and those Boomers who think they can keep up. Representing the winery will be Phil Molnar, who will pour and discuss this trove of treasure.

2008 Four Vines Naked Chardonnay

List price 11.50; our price 9.99

Naked Chardonnay was the first no-oak chard introduced in California, inspired by Christian’s love of food and past work as an aspiring chef. Fermented in 100% stainless steel this is crisp, concentrated Chardonnay with all its natural acid. “Naked” exhibits apple, white peach, and pear, finishing long with hints of citrus and mineral.

2007 Four Vines Zinfandel, Old Vine

List price 11.50; our price 9.99

The winery enjoys a great wealth of Zinfandel that and has the ability to put together a fantastic multi-appellation Zin Blend. On the nose the wine has layers of berry fruit and anise aromas with hints of spice. On the palate, blackberry and spicy plum fruit with a rich mouth feel trail to a velvety toasted oak finish.

2007 Four Vines Zinfandel, Maverick, Amador

List price 22.00; our price 18.50

Bigness abounds from these dry-farmed, head pruned, old vine vineyards in the Shenandoah Valley. This Sierra Foothill Valley is renowned for its old vine Zin vineyards which produce a wine that is chewy and spicy, rich with blackberry fruit and a hint of velvet vanilla oak. Blended with a touch of Syrah from the Bailey Vineyard, this is a “jam bomb”.

2008 Four Vines Anarchy, Paso Robles

List price 33.50; our price 29.99

Christian’s desire here was to create an unconventional Rhone Blend. The blend is based on Syrah for that velvet mouthfeel and rich fruit, old vine Zin for spice and that brambly backbone, and Mourvedre providing some anise and making the whole blend resonate. There may not be much of the Rhone here, but then who cares?

2008 Four Vines Heretic, Paso Robles

List price 33.50; our price 29.99

There is nothing quite like old vine Petite Sirah: to project big, rich layers of black fruit and spice to heretic levels. You will feel levitated to a sense of unreality from the sweet boysenberry notes that waft from your glass before your first taste, to the rich berry cobbler flavors, carrying you to its distinct ripe blueberry and cardamom finish. Try not to appear disoriented.

2005 Four Vines Zinfandel Port, Paso Robles

List price 25.00; our price 21.99

The grapes for this wine are left on the vine to achieve maximum ripeness. The fermentation process proceeds slowly until it achieves a level of 10 Brix. At this point, 2 year Oak Aged Brandy is added to stop the fermentation, just as it is done in Portugal. The elixir is aged in small French oak barrels for 20 months. The rich, velvety raspberry fruit and spice journey along your sensual excitations to a silky caramel finish. Try it with chocolate and be deliriously decadent.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

4 to 6 pm

$5.00 per person

Home of: ExecutiveGiftService.com

611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #1, Palm Springs, 92264

760-327-7701, 800-925-0030

The Lodi appellation is producing some excellent wines at very competitive pricing.  Some of the oldest vineyards in the state are located there and for good reason: the grapes love growing in that rich farmland area.  Although some good white wine grapes are grown there, the emphasis is on red wine and the values that ensue.  Enter Van Ruiten Vineyards.  Shortly after World War II, young Dutch immigrant, John Van Ruiten settled in the Lodi area.  He bought his first farm property and planted Zinfandel.  Five decades later, the Van Ruitens farm over 800 acres of wine grapes, with the winery added just prior to the 2000 harvest.  Although other fine reds are made here, this area is home to some of California’s best wine-especially Old Vine Zinfandels, and in Lodi, Zinfandel is King.  Representing the winery on Saturday will be George Gee, who is always a pleasure to serve as host here.

2008 Van Ruiten Petite Sirah

List price 18.00; our price 15.75

Make an effort to discover the distinct characteristics of this varietal; dark hues, exotic aromas of allspice, plums, and green tea, with flavors of black cherries and ripe plums.  Exhibiting generous tannins and a lengthy finish, this Petite Sirah fruit bomb should benefit from several years of aging.

2007 Van Ruiten Carignane, Ancient Vines

List price 18.00; our price 15.75

Carignane was the most widely planted red varietal in France.  It also is grown in Italy, Spain, Algeria and Israel.  It once was the most planted variety in the new world. Today, only a few of the ancient Carignane vineyards remain in California. Traditionally, Carignane has been used as a blending grape because of its excellent yields, great acidity, and firm tannins.  Van Ruiten Family is one of a few wineries to vinify the varietal on its own.  This wine hails from a 99 year old head trained vineyard.  Only 100 cases were produced from this four acre vineyard.  Its dark ruby color opens to aromas of plum, raspberry, and spice.  The old vine elicits a taste of Lodi terroir; dark blackberry and cherry fruit flavor with a long smooth tannin finish.

2006 Van Ruiten Cabernet Sauvignon

List price 14.00; our price 11.99

This wine won a gold medal with a 94-point rating at the 2008 California State Fair Wine Competition and the best of class, Lodi Appellation, as well.  The deep ruby-garnet hued wine shows ripe, spicy black fruit aromas with a mineral accent.  A firm entry leads a generous, full-bodied palate with ripe tannins and good depth.

2008 Van Ruiten Zinfandel, Glory Days

List price 12.00; our price 8.99

The wine has dark rich color and plenty of minerality, loads of bright, savory, raspberry and black currant fruit, with hints of pepper.  The Glory Days Zin is 87% Zinfandel, 6% Petite Sirah, 5% Carignane (99 year old vines) and 2% Tannat.  The nose is sweet cinnamon spice, red raspberry jam, clove and pepper.  It has jammy rich fruit upfront: tasty raspberry, blackberry, and cherry.  Sweet tannins and a good blueberry finish elevate this rich, deep, balanced Zinfandel.

2008 Van Ruiten Zinfandel, Old Vines

List price 18.00; our price 15.75

This Zinfandel fruit was hand selected from the first vineyard John Van Ruiten planted over 50 years ago and is among the families most prized grapes.  The wine is packed full of blackberry, cherry and blueberry jam with barrel flavors contributing aromas of coffee, cedar, and finishing with anise.  It was voted the Best Zinfandel in America at the 2009 Wall Street Journal Wine Competition.  It received a Double Gold and Best Zinfandel award at the 2009 Lodi International Wine Competition.  Also in 2009, it received gold medals at both the World Wine Championships and the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Quite impressive.

2006 Van Ruiten Zinfandel, “Sideways” Reserve

List price 30.00; our price 27.00

This Zin draws primarily from a wide selection of the oldest, most historic and lowest-bearing Zinfandel acreage.  It shows wonderful flavors of dusty raspberry, blackberry, currants and walnut with hints of coffee and chocolate molasses.  Some vanilla from the new French oak barrels compliments the explosive fruit flavors.  It won a gold medal at the 2008 World Wine Championships with a 92 point rating and was designated an “Exceptional” Cellar Selection.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

4 to 6 pm

$5.00 per person

Home of: ExecutiveGiftService.com

611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #1, Palm Springs, 92264

760-327-7701, 800-925-0030

We were in Spain four years ago at the time of the world cup and are pleased to see the Spanish team in the finals.  This Saturday we will be pouring the types of wines that Spaniards drink at this time of year as we follow Spain to their destiny.  If you were there you would be drinking Cava, or Albariño, or rosés or medium bodied reds.  We just happen to have such a selection:

n.v. Paul Cheneau Brut Cava

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

Cava was first introduced in 1872 and, by the turn of the century, cava was the wine of choice among the chic patrons of Barcelona’s elegant art nouveau cafes and cava bars.  As a tribute to the fashionable ladies who made cava so popular, Paul Cheneau introduced the “Lady of Spain”.  This blend of Macabeo 45%, Xarello 40% and Parellada 15% has a formation of small bubbles which generate a gentle crown.  It is fine, delicate and very clean, with lightly toasted pastry notes.  Fresh and fruity, it is well structured, crispy, and balanced with a long aftertaste.

2008 Bodegas Martín Códax Burgáns Albariño, Rias Baixas

List price 13.95; our price 12.50

We stock this favorite Spanish white wine year round and vintage after vintage.  Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar rated this wine 89-points: “Light, bright yellow. Lively lemon and lime aromas are complemented by melon, pear and salty minerals. Juicy and focused, offering brisk citrus and orchard fruit flavors and a late note of smoky herbs. Gains sweetness with air and finishes with an appealing note of fresh pineapple.”

2008 El Coto de Rioja Rosé, Rioja

List price 12.95; our price 11.50

El Coto is one of the leading ‘bodegas’ in Spain.  It presently has some 6 million bottles of oak aged red wines enjoying additional aging in its cellars.   The blend in this rosé is Tempranillo 50% and Garnacha 50%.  The wine spent 48 hours macerating in contact with the skins, after which clarification and fermentation took place at a controlled temperature for 15 days in stainless steel vats.  The wine shows a full aroma of strawberry and raspberry flavors with hints of violet petals.  It is full, refreshing, quite dry and…tasty.

2008 ZaZa Rosé, Campo de Borja

List price 9.99; our price 8.99

The grapes for ZaZa were harvested by hand during the second week of October from selected old bush vine fruit.  The fruit was then crushed and destemmed.  Must remained in contact with skins for 24-48 hrs then free run juice was bled to stainless steel fermenters.  Once inoculated, the fermenting juice was transferred to new French and American barrels to complete fermentation.  After fermenting, the wine was transferred “sur lie” back to tank to be stirred with the lees for another 4-6 weeks to integrate flavors and build up mouthfeel, length and complexity.  86 points from Robert Parker:“Sexy dry Rosado from Spain with classic strawberry’s and cream aromas.  Crisp and fruity as an aperitif yet with enough acid and structure to pair with turkey dinner or the weekend picnic.

2005 Solanera Vinas Viejas, Yecla

List price 14.95; our price 9.99

Solanera is a blend of 65% Monastrell, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Tintorera from the warm climate region of Yecla. The bold rich flavors remind one of Cotes-du-Rhone or even Chateauneuf-du-Pape, as there is that same sort of deep tar like concentration, all counter-balanced by a fine, fresh, herbal character.  Fine cracked white pepper and meaty aromatics vie with smoky raspberry and cherry fruit.  It is bone dry, with a glycerin-like boysenberry fruit feel to it.  Gentle tannins arrive late to add structure but this is all about silky, juicy fruit.  91 points and listed as a “Spanish Wine Bargain Under $20″ by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate; 90 points from Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar.

2007 Las Rocas de San Alejandro, Calatayud

List price 13.00; our price 10.99

This wine is sourced from vineyards ranging in age from 70 to 100 years.  It delivers alluring aromas of spices, minerals, cherry, and black raspberry.  Layered on the palate, it has superb depth, succulent flavors, and a pure, lengthy finish.  It is consistently one of the most pleasurable wines produced in Spain.  90 points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

4 to 6 pm

$5.00 per person

Home of: ExecutiveGiftService.com

611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #1, Palm Springs, 92264

760-327-7701, 800-925-0030

Periodically we come back to Argentine wines for the simple reason the element of value looms favorably before us.  We are pouring some very nice whites and reds this Saturday that make uncorking the second bottle affordable.  Mendoza produces over 80% of Argentina’s wines at over 900 wineries throughout the region.  Although Malbec is the major red grape in production, there are other varietals doing well there.  Torrontés is the major white wine grape but again other whites are well received, too.  In the early 1990′s Argentina was exporting only 1% of its harvest, but not until the peso was devalued in 2001 did the export industry take flight.  Argentina’s wine industry has come a long way since then, and we are the better for that.

2009 Crios de Susana Balbo Torrontés, Salta

List price 15.00; our price 9.99

Sourced from 31-year-old vines in Cafayate (where the finest Torrontés grows), it displays a fragrant bouquet of spring flowers, honey, and tropical aromas.  Medium-bodied and dry on the palate, it has ample fruit backed by vibrant acidity leading to a lengthy finish.  Wine Advocate Review rated this wine 90 points: “Enticing aromas that are strikingly similar to Viognier, with hints of peach pit, white pear, flowers, and orange citrus fruit.  On the palate, it has beautiful structure and acidity similar to Sauvignon Blanc along with enticing fruit flavors that keep you coming back for another sip and plenty of body for a wine that shows such delicate aromas and flavors.  Fruity, floral and yet still quite dry, this wine has to be tasted to be believed.”

2008 Alamos Chardonnay, Mendoza

List price 9.99; our price 8.99

Founded by the Catena family in Argentina, Alamos produces terrific value wines year in, year out.  This Chard is no exception.  The wine has a truly fresh flavor profile, and would work as a perfect house white for Chardonnay drinkers, as well as a perfect bridge wine for those who prefer crisper, brighter, Chardonnay while their companions perhaps favor richer, oakier flavors.  It is full-bodied, with red apple and pear fruit filling the mouth, along with some bright yellow stone fruit and just a hint of toffee from brief oak aging adding some richness and texture.

2007 Bodega NQN Picada Blend, Neuquen, Patagonia

List price 10.99; our price 8.95

Argentina’s Bodegas NQN was founded with the notion of producing top-caliber red and white wines from their newly-producing vineyards in Patagonia.  This Cabernet, Merlot, Malbec and Pinot Noir blend is totally unique with a structure and finesse attributable to its unique grape composition.  It shows cherry/berry fruit with a hint of herbaceousness.

2005 Bodega NQN Malma Cabernet Sauvignon, Neuquen, Patagonia

List price 12.00; our price 9.99

Cabernet Sauvignon, like all the great grapes of Bordeaux, has been adopted by Argentinean winemakers, who are producing terrific, accessible, modern styled wines.  The Malma bottling is no exception; big cassis fruit and eucalyptus are the show-stealers here.

2008 Alamos Malbec, Mendoza

List price 9.99; our price 8.99

This wine has good richness, spice and complexity.  It shows subdued yet ripe aromas of blackberry, cassis and licorice, with complimenting suggestions of chocolate, herbs, and leather. It has a plumy fruit on entry, goes ripe and smooth in the middle, with a subtle hint of sweet oak in the finish.  Wine Spectator gave it a 90-point rating.

2007 La Posta Malbec, Mendoza

List price 15.00; our price 9.99

Dark raspberry, bitter chocolate and spice aromas are lifted by a floral element.  It is densely packed and spicy, with a fine-grained texture and a juicy quality to the fruit.  The floral element carries through in the mouth, giving this wine a light touch.  The finish shows firm tannic support.  This is excellent value, considering the price we are offering. Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate and Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar both rated this wine 89 points.